DIGITAL growth is vital for economic growth and is aligned with the theme for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting, says Papua New Guinea Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Energy Sam Basil.He said this was also a key policy for the government, especially in terms of rural accessibility to such services.“The importance of telecommunications services let alone ICT services cannot be understated,” he said.“One of the government’s key priorities is to connect all citizens of PNG wherever they are with affordable and the highest standard of ICT services.“In fact, when I was appointed Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Energy last October, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made it very clear that he wants modernising of PNG using rural telecommunications and rural electrification as the vital backbones.“Prime Minister O’Neill’s initiative has resulted in our country hosting the important Apec meetings for the first time ever this year. It is on the theme connecting people and business to the digital world.“We all know that failing to provide access to telecommunications services and ICT services will create a situation where our citizens are deprived of accessibility to the many benefits of communications.“This benefits include improved education, health and economic opportunities.”